iCloud locking on an iPhone is used to prevent someone from stealing the device. It locks out users who are not aware of their information or who buy a second hand phone from an owner who forgets to remove his/her information.

The simple solution to get around iCloud locking is to take the phone to the Apple Store and provide them proof that you are the owner. Take your original receipt and ID to an Apple Store, where many users have found success in overcoming the solution. You may also be able to take advantage of Apple’s online support service for the purpose; make sure you have all the information at hand before doing so.

But if that is not possible, there are other ways to get around the particular barrier.

Get in touch with the previous owner

If you bought the device from eBay or Craigslist, get in contact with the previous owner and ask them to remote the iCloud lock. If they were the rightful previous owner it would take them a few minutes only to get the job done.

If you meet the previous owner, he/she can enter the Apple ID and password to get past the iCloud lock. If they are not willing to meet you, you can ask them to go to iCloud.com/Find and sign in > Click on All Devices > on the device to remove > erase all content and settings > keep clicking next > click Remove from Account. Following these steps will leave the iPhone in a stable working state and the iCloud lock won’t bother you anymore; just log in to the phone and set it up as a new iPhone.

If you can’t get in touch with the previous owner of the handset, you can always take advantage of the iCloud lock bypass service. Such a service is going to cost $140 – $150 on average and can help you get past the lock. But please note it is not the same as factory unlock IMEI service which is basically made to get your iPhone SIM-free from carrier restriction.

iCloud lock removal service will remove the iCloud lock for anyone who has a handset stuck on it; whether you are locked out of your own unit and are in a place like Saudi Arabia which has no Apple Store to go to, or you bought the handset from a seller who didn’t remove iCloud login.